The number of .com domain names registered has passed through the 100 million mark, it has been reported.
VeriSign, which runs the top level domain, explained that the number of .com addresses in its registry rose to 100,540,971 in October 2011.
This represented a 690,243 increase on the previous month, tipping the total into the nine-figure territory.
However, businesses are set to gain access to a range of new alternatives to .com domain names, with the launch of new generic top level domains (gTLDs).
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers is currently running a 90-day application window for gTLDs up until April 12th.
Early reports suggest the organization may be willing to approve up to 1,000 new gTLDs, increasing the range of options for internet users.